Transportation Department

Media Manager

3/19/2013

Contact:Reed HollinsheadPublic Information Specialist(208) 334-8881

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scorpion Creek bridge to be placed on Idaho 78 starting in early April

OWYHEE COUNTY - A five-month project to place a bridge over Scorpion Creek on Idaho 78 in Owyhee County is expected to begin in early April, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The south side of the bridge will be built first, then the north side.

The
new concrete slab bridge will replace three corrugated-metal culverts
that run under the roadway at milepost 23. One culvert is completely
plugged. The other two culverts are more than halfway filled with sediment
from the creek. Water runs over the highway at that location during
periods of high water, creating a safety hazard.

Click here for a picture of the culverts that will be replaced in the project, and a map of the location.

The
new bridge addresses a safety concern with water spilling over the
roadway every time Scorpion Creek floods, which is nearly an annual
event. The new bridge,
about six miles northwest of Murphy, will accommodate higher water levels. The roadway elevation also will be raised about two feet. The
roadway approaches will be reconstructed to match the new height
and the wider bridge.

No night or weekend work is anticipated, but is not prohibited, if necessary to finish the project on time.

One
lane of traffic will be maintained across the bridge during
construction, controlled by a temporary traffic signal. Flaggers will be
used when needed.

The existing culverts will be removed as needed to build the new bridge while still allowing for water flow.

Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (@IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety for drivers and workers is our highest priority.